Owen Almighty Nearing Return Later This Month

Unraced since the May 3 Kentucky Derby (G1), Tampa Bay Derby (G3) winner Owen Almighty is nearing a return to the starting gate later this month. The son of Speightstown, who races in the silks of Travis Boersma's Flying Dutchmen Breeding and Racing, received some rest and relaxation away from the track immediately following the Kentucky Derby. He returned to the worktab July 13 at Churchill Downs for trainer Brian Lynch and has worked steadily since, most recently recording five furlongs in :59 3/5 Aug. 9. "We gave him some time after the Derby; he did really well through that time," said Flying Dutchmen's president Hunter Rankin on the Aug. 11 episode of the BloodHorse Monday podcast. "Some horses go out to the farm, and they really retain their physical. He dropped off a little bit—he let down—so it took a little bit to get his condition back. But I think that time really helped him. He's doing great right now." The potential targets for Owen Almighty's return are the Aug. 22 Robert Hilton Memorial Stakes at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races and the Aug. 23 H. Allen Jerkens Memorial Stakes (G1) at Saratoga Race Course. Both races are contested over seven furlongs (the Robert Hilton taking place around two turns) for a $500,000 purse. "Either place I know he'll give us everything he's got. He always does," Rankin said. "We just want to get him started back on the right foot and get him geared up for a fall campaign. I still believe he's got the potential to be a very good 4-year-old." Owen Almighty's entry in the 1 1/4-mile Kentucky Derby was hotly debated when Flying Dutchmen decided to rejoin the field after it was originally reported that he was going to pass and point to a shorter race. To many critics, his pedigree and lackluster sixth-place effort in the 1 1/8-mile Blue Grass Stakes (G1) suggested distance limitations. However, the Flying Dutchmen team got the last laugh as Owen Almighty showed up on the biggest stage and gave them a big thrill as he turned for home leading the 19-horse field. The gutsy colt was overpowered at the 3/16th-pole by Sovereignty and Journalism, but held on for fifth—the final placing to receive a share of the $3 million purse ($150,000). "He gives you everything he possibly has," Rankin said. "(Jockey) Javier (Castellano) said when he got tired, he just tried harder. It almost makes you emotional to think about." Owen Almighty was the first starter in America's most prestigious horse race for Flying Dutchmen. The experience left a lasting impression on Rankin, who grew up in Louisville, Ky. "I never realized the weight of the race," Rankin said. "I don't know if you can unless you're participating in it. It was such a monumental moment for our team—such a proud moment for our team—to see him try for us." The Flying Dutchmen team also has another top 3-year-old on their hands in Big Truzz, who won the Aug. 10 Ellis Park Derby by seven lengths in near track record time. Rankin said the grade 1-placed son of Justify has several potential options, but could be considered for the $1 million Pennsylvania Derby (G1) at Parx Racing Sept. 20. "I think—if he was doing really, really well—we'd point to Pennsylvania," Rankin said.